FATORDA: With only the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy missing in their scroll of honour, Germany are all set to begin their Group C campaign against the CONCACAF runners-up Costa Rica, at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here, on Saturday.
A nation with European dominance at senior level, Germany are yet to make their mark in the youth tournament and coach Christian Richard Wuck believes his side comprising of talented youngsters plying, has a great opportunity to break the hoodoo.
“There is no pressure on us. We all play football to win games to win titles. We are very lucky to be here. We are a very strong team. But we know from the European championship that we missed a place. We didn’t have a good game against Spain. We hope to be here till the last date,” said Christian while addressing the presspersons ahead of their opening clash on Saturday.
Germany boasts of many players coming from the U-19 Bundesliga teams and other youth teams plying their trade in the Youth Champions League which will surely help the squad in their run in the tournament.
“Any game against international teams or World Cup teams is great. As it helps in development of the players,” added Wuck.
Germany, who finished third at the European Championship in May, boasts of a superb goal-scoring record as they netted 17 times in seven games and conceded mere two goals. Germany went down against Spain in the semi-final, who went on to beat England in the final to win the Euro Championship, in penalty shootout after a goalless encounter.
Germany will bank on Jann-Fiete Arp, a talented striker who recently made his debut for Hamburg against Werder Bremen. The stylish striker has been top goal scorer for the Germans as he netted seven times in the European Championship for Germany.
Jann-Fiete Arp joined the team late and coach Wuck was delighted to have the youngster to give the much needed strength to his attack.
“To have him (Jann-Fiete Arp) is very good. He is important player for us, not only on the pitch but outside the field as well. He is like Eric. He (Arp) is our second captain,” explained Wuck.
Playing in the second toughest groups in the competition, German coach Wuck has set his sights on advancing through from the group expectations.
Captain Erik Majetschak said, “We scored a lot goals in Euro Championship and we want to score a lot of goals here. We are a offensive team.”
Meanwhile, Costa Rica, who emerged second best in the CONCACAF losing against Mexico in the final, have given a tough challenge to their opponents.
Speaking during the press conference, Costa Rica coach Breansse Camacho said, “First match is always important. And it’s even more, considering the fact we will be playing Germany. It will be very difficult, but we have been working hard and we will give our best.
Costa Rica’s rich attacking style has made it easy for Breansse to get the goals and wins. Costa Rica emerged runners-up at CONCACAF losing to Mexico 1-6 before winning four matches in a row.
However, playing against Germany wouldn’t be easy for Costa Rica, but coach Breansse is alert of the German’s high goal scoring record and is prepared to give them a fight.
“It’s important information and aspect to consider as we know how strong Germany is. We know how to attack them. It’s gonna be great game and we are prepared to give our best,” said Breansse.
Costa Rica will bank on their striker Jose Alfaro, who is considered as ‘Luis Figo’ of the country for his midfield abilities and playmaking skills. Alfaro has three goals by his name in the CONCACAF Championship.
The Saturday’s battle will be a privileged one for the Goan spectators as they will witness first ever FIFA tournament in the State as the two talented football nations take centre stage at Fatorda.
